Virgin Care contract approved

On 10 November, Bath & North East Somerset Council endorsed the award of a seven year contract to Virgin Care to deliver community health and care services in B&NES following extensive consultation with service users, members of the public and health and care professionals.

The Board of Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) gave their endorsement at a meeting earlier in the day. Preparations are now underway for services to be transferred to Virgin Care on 1 April 2017.

Councillor Vic Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said:

“The Council has voted to follow the recommendation of a wide range of service users, carers and subject matter experts who have dedicated hundreds of hours to scrutinising the bids and really understand how services need to change.

“This decision marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the integration of health and care services in Bath and North East Somerset. Local people can look forward to a more joined up and personalised service in the future with the focus firmly on prevention and supporting people to maintain their independence.”

Following the Council’s decision, Dr Ian Orpen, Clinical Chair of the CCG, said:

“I am pleased that we can now start the process of transferring services. Following extensive consultation with local people and a very rigorous procurement process, the CCG Board is assured that Virgin Care is the right organisation to deliver the personalised and preventative care that local people have asked for.

“We will be working closely with the Council and our new partners, Virgin Care, over the coming months to ensure that services and staff are transferred across safely on 1 April 2017 and to minimise disruption to the care and support that people currently receive.”